Major Department Shakeups Coming to UD

Photo via University of Dayton Instagram

Michael Oliss | News Editor

The University of Dayton announced several major academic reorganizations that will take effect in the 2026-27 academic year, moving departments across colleges, combining programs, and aligning academic units more closely with specific research partnerships, while maintaining UD’s ultimate goal of a full education for every student.

According to an email sent by Arts and Sciences Dean Danielle Poe, these are the expected changes that will take effect July 1:

• The Departments of Physics and Computer Science will move from the College of Arts and Sciences to the School of Engineering
• Physics will likely merge with the Electro-Optics department
• Computer Science will move as a distinct department within the School of Engineering
• The Department of Criminal Justice and Security Studies will retire as a standalone department, with its degree programs and faculty transferred to the Department of Political Science

Furthermore, the Departments of Music and Art & Design are expected to merge. Their proposal, which Poe says will allow students to take better advantage of the Roger Glass Center for the Arts, will be reviewed by the Academic Senate and will likely be decided by next fall.

Flyer News asked how students would be affected by the coming changes, specifically the estimated 200 majors/minors in the criminal justice program.

“The student experience will either remain unchanged or will be enhanced by having access to more faculty and more classes,” Poe said. “Students in the CJS program will continue their study and coursework without interruption.”

Faculty from the affected departments will collaborate over the coming year as the changes move through governance processes and toward implementation. Poe’s announcement invited faculty and staff to raise questions during eight scheduled open Zoom sessions over the next four months.

Flyer News interviewed Chair of the Department of Political Science Nancy Miller in November 2025 after news first broke of the coming mergers. When asked how she felt about the merger between Political Science and Criminal Justice, she said she was hopeful and excited about the future.

“No CJSS or POL faculty will be relocated, replaced, or let go,” Miller said. “From my perspective, CJSS joining POL only adds to the department. We gain new colleagues as well as more students. We love engaging with students in our classes and the opportunity to learn and interact with more students is welcome. We are also looking forward to getting to know new colleagues and sharing our knowledge and serving our students as they progress through their academic careers.”

Despite the bright future, Miller preached patience: “This is not work that can be completed between now and July 1, 2026. Bringing two departments together is a process that will unfold over several years. Both faculties will need time to build relationships with each other before this process is complete.”

Lastly, Flyer News asked if she had any advice for students affected by the merger.

“Students are at the center of what we do, regardless of their major,” Miller said. “Throughout this process, how students will be impacted will always be at the forefront. Students should not hesitate to come speak with me or the Dean’s Office when they have questions or concerns. This change should have only a positive impact on students’ abilities to succeed and make progress.”